PlayStation Move: The Ultimate FAQ

Here it is! We’ve spent the last few weeks compiling the most comprehensive, info-packed, and authoritative resource for PlayStation Move, the PlayStation 3 motion controller that launches in the U.S. on September 19th. We’ve also included dozens of questions asked by PlayStation gamers — that means you!

This FAQ is a living document. During the hustle and bustle of the PlayStation Move’s upcoming launch, we’ll be updating and tweaking this document constantly. So if there’s something else you’d like to know, sound off in the comments and we’ll take a second look.

PlayStation Move: Basics

Q: What is PlayStation Move, and what do I need to experience it?
A: PlayStation Move brings motion gaming exclusively to your PS3 system. In addition to the PS3 system, PlayStation Move requires both the PlayStation Move motion controller and the PlayStation Eye camera to track your every move and put you in the game.

Q: Can I use PlayStation Move with any system other than the PS3 system?
A: No. PlayStation Move is exclusive to the PS3 system, and works with any PS3 model.

Q: Will the PlayStation Move work with my model of the PS3 system?
A: Yes. PlayStation Move works with any model of the PS3 system, from an original launch unit to the new smaller, lighter form factor.

Q: When will PlayStation Move be released in the U.S.?
A: PlayStation Move and PlayStation Move games will be available on September 19, 2010 in the U.S., though some retailers may have it in stock earlier.

Q: Do I need to purchase everything separately?
A: It’s your choice: you can buy the components bundled together (PlayStation Move bundle details) or purchase them separately.

Q: What kind of gamer is PlayStation Move geared towards?
A: Whether you’re experienced, casual, or somewhere in between, PlayStation Move has a wide variety of games including sports, action, party, family, and shooters. Social party games like Start The Party! and Sports Champions are perfect for families, while core titles like Killzone 3, SOCOM 4 and Heavy Rain will keep things challenging for more advanced gamers. In order to tell what games are appropriate for younger gamers, look for the ESRB rating and descriptors on the bottom left of every game case for an age rating and content descriptors.

Q: How much will PlayStation Move games cost?
A: PlayStation Move software titles on Blu-ray disc will range from $39.99 and up, though specific pricing will depend on the game and the media format. Debut Blu-ray titles, such as Sports Champions, Start the Party!, and Kung Fu Rider, will be available for $39.99; Killzone 3 and SOCOM 4 will cost $59.99 when they release in 2011.

PlayStation Move Motion Controller

Q: Why is the sphere on the PlayStation Move motion controller colored? What does the color of the PlayStation Move motion controller’s sphere mean?
A: The sphere atop the PlayStation Move motion controller helps the PlayStation Eye camera to precisely detect the absolute position of the controller in real-life 3D space. Some games may change the color of the sphere according to gameplay, giving you visual feedback. The game can change the sphere to any color (the sphere LED is controlled with Full Color 24bit RGB).

There is no default color, and the color of the sphere may change after calibration since the system will choose colors that will track well in the current environment. When the sphere is flashing different colors, it means the controller is calibrating. Note that the sphere will not be lit when controlling the XMB (XrossMediabar).

Q: Do you need to stand when using PlayStation Move? Do you need to sit?
A: No, you do not need to stand. As long as the camera has a clear, direct view of you and the PlayStation Move motion controller, you can play while standing, sitting, slouching, reclining, etc.

Q: How many PlayStation Move motion controllers do I need?
A: Most PlayStation Move games only require one motion controller. However, some games may support two controllers for single-player gameplay (such as The Fight: Lights Out and certain events in Sports Champions) or for multiplayer mode.

Q: How many players can use PlayStation Move at the same time?
A: The actual number of players supported depends on the game you are playing. Many PlayStation Move titles support anywhere from 1 to 4 players with many options for gameplay, including single player, pass-and-play multiplayer, competitive, or co-op modes. The PS3 system supports up to seven devices, of which up to four of those devices can be PlayStation Move motion controllers.

Q: Does the PlayStation Move motion controller include vibration feedback?
A: Yes. The PlayStation Move motion controller includes vibration feedback in the body of the controller.

Q: What buttons are on the PlayStation Move motion controller?
The PlayStation Move motion controller has the traditional DUALSHOCK 3 buttons (Cross, Circle, Square, Triangle, Start, Select, and PS Button) but also adds two new buttons, the T-button and the Move button.

The Move button is typically used to select items in game menus. The pressure-sensitive T-button is utilized in many games and its function varies. Users should consult the game manual for details on button assignments.

Q: How do I pair a PlayStation Move motion controller to PS3?
A: Pairing is quite simple and will be familiar to PS3 owners. First, plug the PlayStation Move motion controller into the PS3 system via the USB port. Next, press the PS button. The controller is now paired with the PS3 system.

Q: Does PlayStation Move use AA or AAA batteries?
A: No. PlayStation Move uses an integrated lithium ion battery that you can recharge using a mini USB cable and your PS3 system, or an optional PlayStation Move charging station.

Q: How do I charge the controllers?
A: Both the PlayStation Move motion controller and the PlayStation Move navigation controller feature a mini USB charging port. The lithium ion battery can be recharged by plugging the controllers into the PS3 system using a mini USB cable. Alternatively, you can charge the controllers using the PlayStation Move charging station (sold separately).

Q: How long does it take to fully charge a PlayStation Move motion controller? How long will the charge last?
A: It takes approximately five hours to fully charge a PlayStation Move motion controller (four hours using the charging station). Once fully charged, you can expect at a maximum 10 hours of battery life.

Q: Are the rechargeable batteries replaceable?
A: No.

Q: Can I use the PlayStation Move motion controller to set up the game or do I need the DUALSHOCK 3 controller?
A: Set up for PlayStation Move games do not require the use of the DUALSHOCK 3 controller. The XMB can be navigated easily with either the motion controller or the navigation controller.

Q: How do I navigate the XMB using the PlayStation Move motion controller?
A: Hold down the T button and gesture UP, DOWN, LEFT or RIGHT to navigate the XMB. Press the Move button to activate an item. Note that the sphere will not be illuminated while browsing the XMB.

Q: Will the PlayStation Move be equipped with any safety features?
A: Yes, the PlayStation Move comes equipped with a hand strap. Wear it securely at all times to prevent accidents.

Q: How precise is PlayStation Move?
A: The PlayStation Move is tracked completely 1:1, so its complete position and orientation are known. High-speed data from internal sensors is combined with sub-pixel PlayStation Eye camera data, allowing precise measurement of a wide range of motions, from the tiniest movements to most vigorous swipes.

Q: How much “lag” does PlayStation Move have? Is there a noticeable delay of my motion to the action performed onscreen?
A: The PlayStation Move has similar sensing latency as the DUALSHOCK 3 controller — for many PlayStation Move games, this is about 22ms, though it can vary somewhat between games. Modern HDTVs unfortunately have much more latency, usually on the order of 60-160ms. If your TV has “game mode,” make sure to enable it.

Q: Will you be able to adjust PlayStation Move’s sensitivity setting?
A: Yes, some games will provide this feature where it’s appropriate. For example, The Shoot supports this for aiming sensitivity.

PlayStation Move and PlayStation Eye Camera

Q: How does the PlayStation Eye camera work with the PlayStation Move motion controller?
A: The PlayStation Eye tracks the sphere on the motion controller to detect exactly where
you are and the direction you are moving. The PlayStation Eye also tracks your upper body
movement and translates that into the game. This allows the character on screen to move
exactly as you move in real life.

Q: Why must I calibrate the controller?
A: Calibration must be done as part of the game set-up to ensure the system knows how far
you are from the screen as well as your body dimensions. Every game has a different
calibration approach, but at some point before beginning gameplay, all games require the
player to calibrate by pointing the controller at the PlayStation Eye camera and following the on-screen directions.

Q: Do you need to re-calibrate the PlayStation Move before playing each game? (asked by @JaguarCRO)
A: Yes. Because the PlayStation Move technologies provide extreme accuracy not found in other systems, a quick calibration before each game allows us to maintain the most accurate positional data possible.

Q: What is the best setup for my PlayStation Eye camera?
A: To get the most out of your PlayStation Eye camera, you should make sure it is centered above or below your TV screen (whichever position is closest to the player’s shoulder level) and facing the same direction as your TV. Then set your PlayStation Eye to wide-angle mode by twisting the lens to the blue dot. Avoid set ups where the PlayStation Eye is tilted up or down, unless instructed to for a specific game.

Q: Is there a minimum height requirement for PlayStation Move?
A: There are no height requirements, although for the best experience, the PlayStation Eye camera must point at the player. The PlayStation Eye camera should be as near to shoulder height as possible so the player is “square” to the camera.

Q: What is the best position for a player to hold the PlayStation Move motion controller from the camera?
A: Players should calibrate in the location and position where they intend to play. The working range is 2 to 10 feet away from the camera, but the *ideal* range is 5 to 9 feet away from the camera, depending on the game.

Q: How does room lighting affect PlayStation Move gameplay?
A: The system is very robust and works under a range of lighting conditions, but it is important to keep in mind certain lighting conditions that can negatively impact gameplay. The room does not need to be dark to reach optimal gameplay; however, it is important to check that no direct bright light or sunlight is reflecting onto the controller or camera. Strong lighting from behind the player should be avoided — especially light that changes, such as light from another TV. Finally, if the camera sits on a very shiny surface, the camera might see reflections which may cause interference with gameplay.

Q: What else may affect PlayStation Move gameplay?
A: Objects or people obstructing the view of the PlayStation Eye can cause issues with
motion tracking, resulting in sluggish or unresponsive gameplay. However, if someone
or something passes in front of the PlayStation Eye very briefly during gameplay there
won’t be much issue.

Q: Will PlayStation Move work if playing a game on a video projector? If using a projector, what’s the best position for the PlayStation Eye camera?
A: Yes. Make sure the PlayStation Eye is not in the direct line of projection so that it’s not blinded. The camera should be positioned in front of the user, about shoulder height.

Q: Will PlayStation Move work for left-handed users? (asked by @Gavin_Gallagher)
A: Yes, during calibration many of the games will give you an option to choose if you are a left or right handed player so that the PlayStation Move can track your movements accordingly. For games make no such distinction, the controller can be held equally well in either hand.

Navigation Controller and Other Accessories

Q: What is the PlayStation Move navigation controller?
A: The PlayStation Move navigation controller is the secondary controller for PlayStation Move. It is compatible with select PlayStation Move titles to help navigate in-game characters or objects. However, DUALSHOCK 3 and SIXAXIS wireless controller can also be used in place of the navigation controller for all games that are compatible with the navigation controller. Like all other wireless controllers for the PS3 system, the navigation controller comes with a built-in lithium ion rechargeable battery as well as Bluetooth technology, enabling the controller to transfer the input information wirelessly to the PS3 system without a use of a cable.

As a one-handed controller, the navigation controller features an analog stick and directional buttons, allowing you to easily navigate your character in the game. For most PlayStation Move titles, all you need is the PlayStation Move motion controller and the PlayStation Eye camera, which is why we focused on offering these peripherals in our bundles.

Again, the packaging of each PlayStation game will have icons indicating exactly what peripherals you’ll need to play the game.

Q: Is the navigation controller required for all PlayStation Move games? What purpose does it serve?
A: No, the navigation controller is not required for all PlayStation Move games. The PlayStation Move navigation controller is an optional peripheral that gives players the use of an analog stick and directional buttons for titles like Heavy Rain or Killzone 3, where you navigate a character on-screen. If you would prefer, you can use the DUALSHOCK 3 or SIXAXIS wireless controller instead of the navigation controller to operate the left analog stick and D-pad.

Q: Does the navigation controller support SIXAXIS motion control? (asked by @Schypher)
A: No. The navigation controller does not support the older SIXAXIS motion sensor. All motion controller functionality is handled by the PlayStation Move.

Q: What is estimated battery life for the the navigation controller? (asked by @Gavin_Gallagher)
A: The battery in the navigation controller lasts approximately 30 hours, but it varies depending upon usage and environment.

Q: Does the navigation controller need to be paired with the PlayStation Move? Do you need to connect the navigation controller with a cable?
A: Button input of the motion controller and navigation controller are directly transmitted to PS3 via Bluetooth wireless, and therefore you do not need to pair the navigation controller with PlayStation Move. No cable connection is required except when you are charging the battery.

Q: Are there any additional PlayStation Move controllers I may wish to buy?
A: For most PlayStation Move titles, you will only need one PlayStation Move motion controller. However, you may want to purchase a second PlayStation Move motion controller for playing in multi-player mode with friends or family.

Q: How do I know which accessories go with each game?
A: Every PlayStation Move game has icons at the top of its packaging that indicate which peripherals are “required” and which peripherals are “compatible.” Peripherals that are required are necessary in order to play the game; those that are “compatible” can be used to enhance your game play experience but are not necessary to play the game.

Q: How many PlayStation Move controllers will I need in order to play most games?
A: For most games, you will only need one PlayStation Move motion controller. There are also some titles, such as The Fight: Lights Out, that require two PlayStation Move motion controllers — one for each hand — to deliver the most precise gameplay experience.

Q: Will there be a charging adaptor for PlayStation Move and navigation controllers?
A: Yes. Available for $29.99 (MSRP), the PlayStation Move charging station will allow you to charge two PlayStation Move motion or navigation controllers at once, without connecting them to the PS3 system.

Q: Will there be a charger that will fit both the PlayStation Move motion controller and DUALSHOCK 3 controller?
A: The existing PS3 AC adaptor can easily accommodate any combination of two PlayStation Move motion controllers, DUALSHOCK 3 controllers, and PlayStation Move navigation controllers.

Additionally, both PlayStation Move bundles include the full version of Sports Champions, which includes six different sporting events supporting single and multiplayer modes.

Q: Will I need to update my games to enable PlayStation Move support? If yes, will it be free? (asked by @PrometheusX)
A: Most PlayStation Move games you’ll play will be designed specifically for the motion controller, though some game publishers have chosen to add PlayStation Move support to their existing PS3 games. Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition, Heavy Rain, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 and Planet Minigolf are well-known examples of existing games being adapted for PlayStation Move. In these cases, you will download an update over the PlayStation Network to add PlayStation Move support. Whether these updates are free or will require a fee will depend on the game and publisher.

Q: Can I play “normal” PS3 games using PlayStation Move?
A: No. You will not be able to effectively control a DUALSHOCK 3-only title using PlayStation Move. Only games that are designed to function with PlayStation Move will work with PlayStation Move, though some older titles will receive downloadable updates to add new PlayStation Move functionality.

Q: Will all PS3 games require PlayStation Move going forward?
A: No. Some titles will only support PlayStation Move, some titles will only support DUALSHOCK 3, and many titles will support both controller types. The decision to implement PlayStation Move support is made on a case-by-case basis by the game’s developers. Many PS3 games will continue to offer DUALSHOCK 3 controller support.

Q: Can PlayStation Move be used to play first-person shooters? What about third-person shooters?
A: Yes. Shooters of all kinds that are designed for PlayStation Move will benefit from the precision and ease of use of the technology. Killzone 3 is an upcoming PS3 first-person shooter that will support PlayStation Move; SOCOM 4 is an upcoming third-person military shooter that employs PlayStation Move. Many other upcoming shooters will add support for PlayStation Move.

Q: Will there be games that will only be playable on PlayStation Move?
A: Yes. We have developed a collection of games, such as Sports Champions, Start the Party!, The Fight: Lights Out, Tumble, and more, that are exclusively for PlayStation Move. Other titles, such as Heavy Rain or the upcoming Killzone 3, will support either the standard DUALSHOCK 3 controller or the PlayStation Move motion controller, giving you the freedom to choose the control scheme that’s right for you.

Miscellaneous Questions

Q: Can you use the PlayStation Eye’s built-in microphone array for voice chatting in online games, even when not using PlayStation Move?
A: Yes. PlayStation Eye’s built-in microphone array enables headset-free voice chatting in online games. It features echo cancellation for enhanced audio clarity.

Q: Does PlayStation Move capture true 1:1 motion capture?
A: Yes. PlayStation Move supports full 1:1 motion control, resulting in a precise recreation of your movements in games that implement 1:1 movements. As with all game controllers, PlayStation Move’s functionality will be up to individual game developers — some games may or may not implement full 1:1 motion control, depending on the nature of the title and the goals of the game developers.

Q: PlayStation Move’s color-changing sphere: How many colors can it turn? (asked by @djratchet)
A: : The sphere atop PlayStation Move can be changed to any color (the sphere LED is controlled with Full Color 24bit RGB). It is capable of displaying more than one million hues, enabling it to make fine adjustments in a wide variety of playing environments.

Q: Why does PlayStation Move use a lighted sphere? Can I remove the sphere?
A: The lighted sphere is crucial to the precision of the PlayStation Move, as its position is tracked by the PlayStation Eye camera. It helps to precisely detect the absolute position of the controller held by the users in real-life 3D space. The colors of the sphere can change according to gameplay, giving visual feedback to users. Removing the sphere will diminish or disable the PlayStation Move’s motion tracking functionality.

Q: If the sphere is pulled away from the PlayStation Move motion controller, can it be easily reattached? (asked by @Gavin_Gallagher)
A: No, the controller has to be disassembled to reattach the sphere, though it’s quite resilient to being pulled off.

Q: Can the sphere on the PlayStation Move shatter? Does it prevent a safety risk around children?
A: No. The PlayStation Move’s color-changing sphere is constructed out of a soft, pliable material. It will not shatter or break into sharp pieces.

Q: How durable is PlayStation Move? Can it withstand use by a small child?
A: The PlayStation Move motion controller passed similar stress tests to a DUALSHOCK 3 (drop tests, step-on tests). In addition, the sphere is made of soft silicon similar to that of a baby bottle or pacifier.

Q: Why is PlayStation Move better than the Kinect or the Wii?
A: PlayStation Move is the most powerful, precise, and easy-to-use motion controller ever designed. It combines the strengths of a physical controller — physical buttons and vibration feedback — with the flexibility afforded by motion controls as well as unmatched precision. PlayStation Move can also precisely detect the absolute position of the controller held by the users in real-life 3D space. Additionally, it makes use of the PlayStation Eye camera for head and body tracking, photo and video capability, online video chat and more.

Combined with the unmatched power and HD capabilities of the PS3 system, PlayStation Move enables the most robust and sophisticated motion gaming experience.

Q: Will the PlayStation Move’s cursor be as jumpy and shaky as other motion controllers on the market?
A: No. PlayStation Move uses an array of sensors — gyroscopes, accelerometers, Z-tracking, and visual tracking via the PlayStation Eye and color-changing sphere — to triangulate the controller’s movements quickly and precisely with 1:1 precision. If the PlayStation Move is correctly set up, you will notice a smoother, vastly more precise feel than other motion controllers.

Q: I saw tech demos for PlayStation Move on the Internet. Will I ever be able to download these on the PlayStation Network?
A: The internal tech demos of PlayStation Move applications are currently not available for purchase or download.

I think this looks really fun but man can this add up. I already have an eye so that’s $80 for a move controller and navigation controller. Add another $50 for a second move controller for the games that support it. That’s $130 for one person’s controls. Want to play 2 player? That’s $260 not including games! Boy that’s steep. I know the six axis and dual shock can act as a navigation controller but that seems awkward.

wait a minute, it would seem the Nav controller would be a requirement for a left handed person. I cannot see how a lefty could comfortably hold a DS3 in their right hand and use the direction buttons. Oopsie. Dang it Sony, just make a bundle with the Nav! Why did you make the thing yet try to ignore it on launch by not including it in a single bundle and say people don’t need it cause we’ve already got DS3 controllers! Urgh, such a silly strategy!

occasionally, while checking out a preview of the “move” i’ll briefly spot an accessory that looks a lot like an orange gun. i imagine the move wand is meant to be placed inside the gun’s barrel for use; and is ideal for shooters. will this accessory be sold by Sony or a 3rd party? (Please reply.)

“The PS3 system supports up to seven devices, of which up to four of those devices can be PlayStation Move motion controllers.”

So, if there was a 4 player Move-compatible game out there, (e.g., a 4 player FPS)… It’s NOT possible to have all 4 players use a Move motion controller in combination with either a SIXAXIS or navigation controller…? (total of 8 devices, if we’re not counting the camera). Is that something that could be changed with a patch?

Don’t know if you’re still answering but I have a question. My closet doors are mirrors and my HDTV is pointing to that direction, will the reflection affect my gaming experience with Playstation Move?

I noticed the move controller and the navigation controller have some of the same buttons. does this mean in games like socom when u need to use one of these buttons either button from either controller will have the same function?

Sorry, no I didn’t read it all. I just made an assumption when I saw the docking station. I honestly don’t know why they even made the docking station though. Who would actually buy one? Yes, I know, the PS3 only has two USB ports. So?

When is the exact release date for N. America? I keep seeing Sunday, Sep. 19th (which is odd to be released on a Sunday) and both gamestop.com and amazon.com are showing a Friday, Sep. 17th release date, so which is it?

how will games such as archery on ‘Sports Champions’ change when used with one move controller as opposed to the two seen on promotional material? will they be less robust? or will it make very little differenct to game play? Thanks

It still works just fine, but it’s a bit more “immersive” to use both. But so far, The Fight and the Archery event in Sports Champions are the main games to use two PlayStation Move motion controllers at once. Many games will use just one, possibly with a navigation controller/DualShock 3.

I am not one bit excited for Move. I really hoped that were being developed through the rest of the PS3’s lifespan would require both move and DS3 Support instead of one, the other or maybe both. I already have one Console in which has similar peripherals and it has been collecting dust for the past 3 years. Motion sensing may impress some people but I am a person that is just fine with a controller that does not require a lot of movement. Call me old fashioned if you like or lazy. I don’t care.

Wow there are some things that irritate me alot Sony like moving the ps store release up an hour and a half. Or like the login issues when I try to post a comment in here. btw this particular post has had alot of feedback from the forum editors. lol finally being nice and replying to everyones post so they buy ps move. What a brilliant move on your part….. digging into our pockets. Why don’t you have 23 replies on the store update post?

I wanted to express my appreciation to Sid and other members of Sony with this FAQ. I am impressed by how methodical the FAQ is.
Quite frankly, this is the most communication I have ever seen Sony give its fans on an upcoming service. It certainly deserves credit.

PS – I wish that you had been in charge of the launch of the PS+. Lord knows there was much confusion and many unanswered questions regarding that service at launch (some of which are still not answered). They could have used you!

There are SO many people that have PSEyes, it just seems cruel to not make a Nav +Move + Sports Champion bundle. We might as well just buy the bundle and trade in the camera to Gamestop and see if they’ll take it for $10. I say $10 because that’s what the camera must be worth if a Move is $50, the game is $40, and the bundle including all three is $100.

I have an idea here for you and don’t tell me to write on blog.share ’cause I won’t. Here goes: Soon after launch if possible, PUT UP ON THE PSN PLAYSTATION PLUS STORE FULL GAME TRIALS FOR SEVERAL PLAYSTATION MOVE GAMES. I assure you both Move and PlayStation Plus will benefit greatly from this. Also, create a MOVE section on the store will all the content supporting Move so anyone can easily see all that’s available on the store that is compatible with it.

I’m hoping to have this by Christmas but right now there is just to many other games coming out that are sucking up my money. I will definitely be picking up though as I have been really impressed with a lot of the games.

@50 just checked and I good buy all those games you listed right now from gamestop.com but they aren’t available at a store within 100 miles of me ( we have a lot of gamestops) looks like you’ve got a problem sid :)